*Except romance. It could have done better on that. But I mean, it wasn't terrible. I am willing to unspool it slow and painful if they will just promise me it's going on an upward trajetory and will pay off by the finale.

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THIS EPISODE, IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

That there is an entire episode’s worth of lizard-capturing plot they decided to cut for time so as to have more fun on the plane (I approve this bottle episode so much)

Mitch continuing to display both open and under-his-breath contempt for Lionel

(OMG his face. It is so hopeful, even despite all her dismissal to date. And then so surprised and hurt by her response)

Mitch showing more immediate concern than he did in 1x07 when Jamie arrives looking roughed up

Jackson making darkly threatening noises at people making gross rapey comments toward Jamie

Mitch and Jackson fighting again re: “no ideas” vs. “super terrible ideas that get people hurt”

Jamie being fed up with their squabbling and stomping off to help Abe

Jamie being the one to come up with the idea of electric ants as defibrillators despite being the only one not there to resurrect Dariela

Team bondage (what? that is not an inaccurate description of everyone sitting around all tied up, albeit as prisoners)

Mitch being a Big Damn Hero despite getting soundly whumped for his efforts

(also: I didn’t even realize until like my 5th rewatch that it’s not a random guard he charges with a headbutt at this point, but Logan. Talk about two birds with one stone)

HOWLER SLOTH. Cute Overload!

Abe taking out our collective frustration with Davies on Davies

Mitch coming on the scene of Temporarily Dead Davies all WHAT THE HELL DID YOU KIDS DO NOW.

Mitch doing an admirable job of staying fairly casual and insisting to Allison that everything is totes fine/NBD despite Jackson very audibly and hysterically panicking in the background

Allison being temporarily sympathetic because jesus Jackson are you trying to get her killed or just thrown in prison for life?

That said: Jackson being ready to burn the world down to rescue his mom is touching. Misguided as hell, but touching

Mitch hotly seizing control of the most insane situation and ordering things like “You, you, come with me. You, stay with him. Try not to kill him this time.”

Mitch in his element, performing impromptu reptile surgery! With Jamie as his semi-grossed out but surprisingly capable assistant!

“Nice job, doctor.” LOOK AT HIS STUPID PROUD SMITTEN SMILE. (also: remember my AU fanfic dream for him to open a veterinary practice and for her to eventually get a vet tech license so she can work alongside him just like this?)

LOGAN FALLING TO HIS TIMELY DEATH. (yes. falling. not at all shot/pushed.)

The fact that this episode showcased our originals working together – free of Dariela, quickly dispatching Logan and severely limiting Allison’s scope/ability to make creepy suggestive comments to Mitch. God, but it was a beautiful showing of original team chemistry.